Brooklyn a decade ago was much like Harlem in appearance but reinvented itself to look like the more trendy neighborhoods of downtown Manhattan that the young and fashionable could not afford anymore. Old shops with drop ceilings, fluorescent lights, clinical drywalls and linoleum floors were replaced by new finishes that looked like they were as old as the building they resided in. This to the well traveled crowd looked like the historic boutiques and eateries in Europe but was the New York City version.
Restauranteur Keith McNally really invented the downtown look which eventually became the Brooklyn aesthetic. Odeon, Lucky Strike, Balthazar, Pravda or Pastis (to name a few) set the pace for what the new New York dining space would like in the new century. This in turn was more a vintage look that fit well with the historic architecture of the big city.
So how does this all apply to Harlem? The challenge now is that Harlem has a lot of historical spots but somehow the majority of interiors are still lagging behind. If Harlem is to compete with the new Brooklyn, then uptown businesses need to look at the entire picture. Some of our designer friends call that midtown hotel interior look "hospitality decor." We all went to those types establishments over a decade ago but the dining scene has become more informal and more accessible since then.
If Harlem is to be more like downtown Manhattan or Brooklyn, there really has to be a major movement to move away from 90s hospitality aesthetics and move into more historically contextual design. Food and service definitely have to hit the mark also but many folks will not step into a restaurant because the eatery has an outdated appearance.
Great story, I like to see establishments that reflect our historic neighborhood, tin ceilings, original details, antique pieces etc. and capture some Harlem history. Personal favorites being Lenox Coffee, Il Café Latte and Maison Harlem to name a few. In answer to the title, Harlem can definitely compete with Brooklyn with it’s history and location and I predict Harlem will eclipse Brooklyn.
ReplyDeleteI think Harlem will eclipse Brooklyn too. The places just along Lenox alone -- Cafe Latte, Lenox Coffee, Barawine, Red Rooster, Harlem Shake, Corner Social -- have so much character and charm.
ReplyDeleteChez Lucienne on Lenox also was one of the first to take on the new look. More recently, The Grange in Hamilton Heights and Mountain Bird on 145th Street have opened and worked within this vernacular.
ReplyDeleteThe look is one thing. After reading that article, I wonder why all the new restaurants strive to be "upscale." You can have great, moderately-priced food in an informal, attractive venue without upping prices so high to attract a certain clientele. Brooklyn has an abundance of very good, diverse in terms of cuisines, moderately priced restaurants. That's what I would love to see from Harlem.
ReplyDeleteyes yes yes, more places that people around here can afford on a semi-regular basis as opposed to stuff just targeted to tourists!
DeleteAgree wholeheartedly - restauranteurs/bar owners should not aspire to eclipse the Brooklyn or downtown scene without truly studying the design atmosphere that entices entry. Unfortunately many still equate "trendy" with the 90's lounge look (cold electric glossy mod aka Londel's and Chocolat.)
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy to see the resurrection of this spot - a true legend of its former glory in spite of the hotel lobby design.
I can't help but wonder how the "jackets required" rule vs. jackets recommended, coupled with the menu pricing that upon first impression seems to cater more to big business and tourist types, will pan out in the long run.
There are those of us (and there are many) who long to dress to the nines and dine in the spirit of the Jazz supper clubs of yore. In my opinion a "jackets recommended" notice in a time where dandy and starlet attire of the 30's and 40's is very much alive and well on the streets of New York City now in 2013 would suffice in encouraging a proper dress code while not excluding those for not having one.
There is no doubt that Minton's will be highly successful with the backing of owner and former Time Warner CEO Richard Parsons but will the future atmosphere foster those impromptu jam sessions that attract the nameless, penniless and unsigned musical virtuosos to drop by and sit in? Will it nurture improvisational magic and creativity of musicians and singers, in a similar spirit that Minton's Playhouse did for inventors Monk, Coltrane, Davis, Ella and others?
I'm excited for the possibility of that kind of revival and genuinely wish them only the best. As a lover of great music and musicality I was hopeful to become a regular but at the price points, I'll settle on making reservations for extra special occasions.
For fresh and affordable cuisine, Cantina on 7th Avenue between 112 and 111 offers an authentic and relaxed atmosphere, with artwork, natural wood decor and well-priced food and drinks. It's a different aesthetic from the one that Ulysses describes so well, but equally charming.
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